SpaceX applies to deploy 1 million satellites! Seeks to build blueprint for orbital data center network.

SpaceX is applying to launch up to one million satellites, hoping to build an orbiting data center network around the Earth. On Friday (January 30th), SpaceX submitted the relevant application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), stating that the project is "a constellation of satellites with unprecedented computing power that can provide power support for advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models and applications that rely on these models." The scale of the plan is shocking, far exceeding the existing Starlink satellite network. It is reported that there are already over 9,600 satellites in the Starlink satellite network in Earth's orbit. Deploying up to one million satellites In a document, SpaceX detailed its proposed "Orbit Data Center System" plan. It states, "To meet the computing power required for large-scale artificial intelligence inference and data center applications serving billions of users globally, SpaceX plans to deploy a system of up to one million satellites that will operate within narrow orbital regions with a diameter not exceeding 50 kilometers (with ample space to coordinate avoidance and coordination with other systems with similar objectives)." The company adds that these satellites will harness the power of the sun, with orbits at heights ranging from 500 kilometers to 2000 kilometers and an inclination of 30 degrees, synchronized with the sun. These satellites will form an in-orbit data center that will use "optical links" or lasers to connect with the Starlink system and transmit traffic to users using existing satellite internet systems. The document emphasizes that the Orbit Data Center is the most effective way to meet the increasing demand for artificial intelligence computing. It also mentions the rising energy costs of artificial intelligence data centers on Earth. The company also believes that with SpaceX's more powerful Starship launch vehicles, it can quickly launch the construction of space data centers, which is also crucial for upgrading the Starlink system with a new generation of satellites. Strict review As the company submitted this application, SpaceX is preparing for its first public offering in mid-year to provide funding support for the construction of the orbit data center. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has previously stated that its Starlink technology has laid the foundation for building an orbiting data center network. However, the scale of this one million satellite application seems unprecedented, and it is likely to undergo strict scrutiny by the FCC, as well as facing criticism from many critics. Earlier this month, the commission approved SpaceX's application to operate an additional 7,500 satellites to build the second generation of the Starlink satellite network, including satellites operating in low orbit. However, at that time, the regulatory agency did not approve the application for all 22,488 satellites. This article is reprinted from the "Cai Lianshe" APP, GMTEight Editor: Song Zhiying.